Retired US General Jack Keane, a defence analyst and supporter of President Donald Trump, has criticised the roles of Pakistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in US efforts to ease tensions with Iran. Speaking to Fox News, Keane alleged that Pakistan and Qatar are 'compromised' because they favour Tehran over Washington.
Keane, chairman of the Institute for the Study of War and a former adviser to four US defence secretaries, said the choice of mediators had negatively influenced US diplomacy. 'It is well known in the Middle East region by our intelligence services, by all the players, that the Pakistanis and the Qataris are compromised because they favour Iran at the expense of the United States,' he said.
He also accused Saudi Arabia of repeatedly discouraging Washington from taking stronger military action against Iran, including denying the US access to its airbases and airspace during discussions over the Strait of Hormuz. Keane claimed Riyadh advised against military operations, believing they would fail.
Keane said the Saudis are 'not willing to sacrifice to rid the Middle East region of Iran's aggression' and are reluctant to risk casualties or damage to their oil infrastructure. He added that they expect the US and Israel to bear the burden of confronting Iran.
His remarks come amid ongoing regional security discussions. The comments reflect Keane's personal assessment and have not been independently verified.
Source: greekherald.com
